“He’s done nothing yet if we’re honest” - Ex-Chelsea star says Cole Palmer is far from being world-class at the moment
Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has made the bold claim that Blues forward Cole Palmer is still far from being a world-class player. These comments came in the wake of the England international's performance against Liverpool over the weekend.
The 22-year-old was in action for the Blues as they lost their second Premier League game of the season under new head coach Enzo Maresca courtesy of a 2-1 loss to league-toppers Liverpool.
Since joining Chelsea from rivals Manchester City in the summer of 2023 for a transfer fee in the region of £42.5 million, Palmer has established himself as one of the Blues' standout players. Palmer gained much recognition in the Premier League as well as Europe, with the England international recently being nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.
While admitting that the Chelsea forward is a very good player, former Blues midfielder Petit stated that Palmer still has a lot to do to be considered a world-class player.
Speaking to Genting Casino, Petit said:
"Will the hype around Cole Palmer derail his form? No, I don’t think so. Palmer had a very good season last season, but started poorly this season and responded well in September.
He added:
"The media are making so much noise about young talented players. Palmer is a very good player but he’s not yet a top international player and that’s the level he needs to reach. He shows promising skills, maturity and personality but he’s done nothing yet, if we’re honest, and is far from world-class at the moment."
How has Cole Palmer performed for Chelsea this season?
The 22-year-old England international has picked up from where he left off last season for the west London outfit. Palmer enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign for the Blues, registering an impressive tally of 25 goals and 15 assists across all competitions.
His performances saw him clinch the 2023-24 Chelsea 'Player of the Season' award as well as the 'PFA Young Player of the Season' award. It also earned him his first Ballon d'Or nomination.
Palmer has already registered six goals and five assists for the Blues in the Premier League this season. Next up for Palmer and Chelsea will be a Premier League home game against Newcastle United on October 27.